Take a closer look at the lives and accomplishments of some of the WASP. New profiles are added regularly and will grow as the staff and volunteer of the CAF RISE ABOVE continue their tireless efforts to research and share the remarkable stories of these important American figures.

Kathryn Bernheim WAFS, Class “The Originals” February 1, 1911 – June 24, 1996 Kathryn “Sis” Bernheim was born Kathryn L. Strouse in Rockaway, New York. She was a graduate of Woodmere Academy in Woodmere,

Beverly Beesemyer WASP, Class 44-W-6 “We were given the opportunity to fly wonderful aircraft that women hadn’t flown. We were the experimental thing.” ~WASP Beverly Beesemyer Beesemyer, born in Hollywood and raised in Beverly Hills

Bernice Batten WAFS, Class “The Originals” The first females to fly for the U.S. military were the “Originals,” better known as the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, a WWII group led by aviatrix Nancy Love. Twenty-seven women strong, between the